ADB Approves Additional $48 Million for Balochistan Water Resources Development Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $48 million in financing for Pakistan to strengthen the ongoing Balochistan Water Resources Development Project, aimed at improving water security through climate-smart and technology-driven water governance.

According to an ADB statement, the additional funding will be utilised to expand modern water infrastructure in Balochistan, including the introduction of a piped water supply system designed to significantly reduce water wastage and enhance efficient water management. The project is also supported through co-financing from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and High-Level Technology Fund.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and driest province, faces acute water challenges due to groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and increasing climate stress. With 75 per cent of its population dependent on agriculture and nearly two-thirds of its economy linked to the sector, the province remains highly vulnerable to water shortages that threaten livelihoods and food security

The enhanced funding will improve water availability for irrigation, benefitting 1,839 hectares of rain-fed land. It is also expected to create employment and economic opportunities, particularly for women in the Zhob and Mula River Basin regions, contributing to inclusive development.

You May Like To Read: Floods in Indonesia’s Sibolga Claim Eight Lives, Displace Over 2,000 Residents

In addition to the water project, ADB recently approved a separate $330 million financing package for Pakistan to expand and modernise the country’s high-voltage power transmission infrastructure. This initiative aims to improve the flow of clean, affordable energy across the national grid and support sustainable economic growth.

The additional financing reinforces ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s climate resilience, infrastructure development, and long-term economic stability.